Keep your dog hydrated during hot summer
Several years ago, my dog, Kasey got a red nylon collapsible water bowl as a gift for his birthday. Cute gift, I thought. But the more I used it, the more I liked it.
I've replaced it a couple of times. Now I even keep one in the car. The collapsible water bowl was a considerate and practical gift. Dogs get thirsty, too.
We all carry water bottles for ourselves, hydrating everywhere we go. But how many of us carry water for our dogs? Water is just as important for them as it for us. Both the ASPCA and HealthyPet.com note we need to keep our dogs hydrated.
According to HealthyPet.com, most pets need to drink 28 milliliters, or one ounce, of water for every pound they weigh every day. So a 40-pound dog needs about one liter (about one quart) of water every day. Most healthy animals that have access to clean water will drink what they need.
The ASPCA notes, dehydration occurs when fluid levels drop to less than normal due to either reduced water intake or increased fluid loss. Fluid loss can be due to overheating in hot weather, vomiting or diarrhea, especially in puppies. The general symptoms of dehydration in dogs are sunken eyes, lethargy, loss of appetite, dry mouth and depression.
Dehydration can cause serous problems, including kidney and heart damage. It may also indicate a serious underlying problem. If you suspect your dog is dehydrated, take him to the veterinarian immediately. If he is dehydrated, your veterinarian will give him intravenous fluids and find out what caused the problem.
HealthyPet.com and the ASPCA offer suggestions for keeping your dog hydrated.
Provide your dog with clean water at all times, changing it frequently to ensure freshness.
Your dog's water bowl needs to be cleaned every day to prevent bacteria from forming. The bacteria can give the water a funny taste, discouraging your dog from drinking and, even worse, can make your dog sick. Give the water bowl a quick wash with dish soap before you fill it in the morning.
Buy a water bowl with a weighted bottom to keep your dog from knocking it over. You may also want to put out several water bowls around your house, putting one in the kitchen and one in the bathroom.
Since water evaporates quickly, especially on warm days, check the water bowls a few times a day, especially in the summer. If your dog is outside on a hot day, offer him water and check the water in his outside bowl every hour.
Since dogs may see the toilet as a water fountain, keep the toilet lid closed. Bacteria in toilet water can make animals sick. Importantly, since everyone can forget to close the lid, don't use drop-in cleaners that release chemicals into the toilet bowl. Some of the cleaners may be toxic.
Just like us, dogs need more water when they exercise. As you grab a water bottle for yourself when you head out to walk your dog, or any activity, take some for him, too. There is a commercially available attachment for a water bottle for your dog. When it's pulled down from the water bottle, it looks like a miniature water trough.
Or find a collapsible nylon water bowl for him to use.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.